The latest on California politics and government

June 6, 2011

Sarah Palin is making a cameo on the South Bay political scene, and it isn't part of the bus tour that created a media frenzy as she traveled the East Coast last week.

Democrat Janice Hahn, a candidate for the vacant 36th Congressional District seat, is hitting the airwaves this week with a TV spot comparing Republican rival Craig Huey to the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate.

The 30-second spot, which will run on cable channels throughout the district, blasts Huey's stance on abortion and support for GOP Rep. Paul Ryan's federal budget plan as too conservative for voters in the coastal Los Angeles County district.

Hahn, a Los Angeles City councilwoman, and Huey, a businessman and conservative publisher, are vying in a July 12 special election to replace former Democratic Rep. Jane Harman, who retired in February. They were the top finishers in last month's crowded special primary for the seat.

Hahn spokesman Dave Jacobson characterized the spot, Hahn's first of the campaign, as a "competitive buy."

Huey has said he supports Ryan's plan, but maintains he does not believe it would result in seniors over 55 losing Medicare. His campaign consultant Dave Gilliard said Huey does not, as the ad states, support ending Medicare.

"It is a shame that Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn would choose to launch her run-off campaign with a nasty, negative attack ad that twists and distorts the truth," he said.

Editor's note: This post was updated at 1:30 p.m. with comments from Huey's campaign.